The Chicago Bears have endured five straight non-winning seasons since they won 12 games during the 2018 season. Despite their past struggles, many observers are expecting a big change from the Bears this season. They managed a 7-10 record last season, and they have added two eye-catching draft picks in quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver Rome Odunze. The Bears also added a superstar in veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen. Additionally, they also picked up a top-flight running back in D'Andre Swift, who has a chance to lift the ground game to a superior level.
Most of the attention on the Bears offense will go to Williams and the passing game. Williams was the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft and he has already been designated as the team's starting quarterback. The moves that general manager Ryan Poles has made in the last two years should give Williams a slew of excellent receiving weapons, but it will be up to Williams to prove that he can produce at the NFL level from the start.
In addition to upgrading the Chicago defense, the Bears are trying to help Williams out by providing him with a productive running game. They signed Swift to a three-year, $24 million contract because they believe he can add to their attack on a consistent basis from start to finish.
Swift had an excellent season with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023, running the ball 229 times for 1,049 yards and five touchdowns. He also caught 39 passes for 21 4 yards and 1 touchdown, and he also made his first Pro Bowl.
Eberflus has big plans for the Bears offense
Eberflus believes that Swift is a multi-faceted talent and can help the Bears with his ability to run the ball as well as his pass-catching ability.
“D’Andre Swift is really good,” Eberflus said. “He’s obviously, you guys know, he’s very quick. De'Andre is a weapon out of the backfield, which is outstanding for our passing game and it’s going to create some mismatches for us.
“[He’s] just a weapon back. We really needed that guy that can really operate on third down and even on first and second down and be a weapon in the deep part of the field and the short part of the field — Being able to take it the distance. He’s got a lot of gas.”
Swift hopes to bring balance to Bears offense
If Swift can meet or exceed his production with the Eagles, he could make life much easier for Williams. While there is no doubt that the former USC quarterback has excellent skills, he is also facing incredible pressure as the savior of the franchise.
If both Swift and the Chicago defense make solid contributions, it will clearly make life easier for the quarterback.
“I feel like its going to be balanced. We’ve got a lot of playmakers on the outside and playmakers in the running back room,” Swift said. “I feel like we’ve got a lot of stuff in this offense to get our playmakers the ball.”
Swift is very familiar with the Bears and the NFC North competition. He spent the first three seasons of his career with the Detroit Lions before he was traded to the Eagles after the 2022 season. While he had the best rushing season of his career with Philadelphia, he caught a career-high 62 passes for the Lions in 2021.
